NEWSReport No. DC 96-46        ACTION IN DOCKET CASE May 30, 1996

                         COMMISSION PERMITS IVDS LICENSEES TO
PROVIDE MOBILE SERVICE TO SUBSCRIBERS 
                           (WT Docket No. 95-47)
                
                The FCC has amended its rules to permit Interactive Video and Data Service (IVDS)
licensees to provide mobile service to subscribers.  This action authorizes mobile operation of
response transmitter units (subscriber units) operated with an effective radiated power of 100
milliwatts or less.  The Commission also eliminated the IVDS "duty cycle" requirement for
operations outside of TV channel 13 Grade B contours.  The Commission found that these
amendments would provide additional flexibility for IVDS licensees to meet the
communications needs of the public without increasing the likelihood of interference. 

                In its Notice of Proposed Rule Making, the Commission had proposed to permit only
ancillary mobile service.  In the subject Report and Order, the Commission found that, in
light of comments received, the public would be better served if the licensee had the option to
operate a fully mobile system and thus respond more accurately to the public's preferred
choices of interactive services.  The Commission also stated that this change would enable
IVDS providers to offer a broader array of services.  

                Action by the Commission May 16, 1996, by Report and Order (FCC 96-224). 
Chairman Hundt and Commissioners Quello, Ness and Chong.

                                  - FCC -

News Media contact:  Kara Palamaras at (202) 418-0654.
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau contact:  Eric Malinen at (202) 418-0638.